MARSHFIELD - November 18 - The Marshfield Select Board voted unanimously November 18 to hire two experienced police officers from other departments, a move officials say will save time and money while addressing staffing shortages that have driven up overtime costs. The board approved hiring Matthew Stewart and Neil Kane as full-time permanent officers, with both expected to begin work in December after completing abbreviated field training.
The Full Story
Lieutenant Jones of the Marshfield Police Department presented the hiring recommendations to the board, explaining that the department used a local register agreement with civil service that allows for hiring experienced officers from other departments. The process, which Jones said he and Lieutenant Sullivan have used to interview well over 100 candidates since 2012, differs significantly from traditional hiring that can take 12 to 18 months.
“These two hires will be able to begin work almost immediately,” Jones told the board. “This will help alleviate overtime costs and situations where officers are ordered to stay and work shifts to satisfy minimum staffing levels.”
The department received 20 applications after posting the recruitment announcement on social media and through a promotional exam preparation company with an email list of several thousand clients. Of those 20, officials narrowed the field to nine candidates who met specific requirements including prior full-time police experience, completion of a full-time police academy, and POST certification.
Eight candidates were interviewed in person at the police station in October. After the background packet process, one candidate did not return materials and three others withdrew. Jones noted that all candidates were informed the department would contact their current employers as part of the background check if they advanced in the process, which he suggested may have contributed to some withdrawals.
Select Board member Steve Darcy noted the impressive credentials of both finalists. Matthew Stewart, who currently serves with another department, has received an exemplary service valor award for his actions involving a homicidal suspect carrying a rifle and explosives. He has extensive experience with violent calls and has worked incidents involving officer-involved shootings, homicides, and explosive threats.
Neil Kane currently works as a detective at Northeastern University and lives in Marshfield with his child. “I think it’s great when we have people who work for the town who live here because they’re stakeholders in the community and they care about what happens,” Darcy said. He added that Kane’s work at Northeastern has exposed him to a broad demographic spread, which would be valuable for the department.
Both board members noted that the candidates mentioned in their interviews that they were attracted to Marshfield specifically because of the positive culture within the police department, and were willing to give up seniority and potentially work overnight shifts to join the force.
The hiring represents a cost savings for the town since both officers have already completed police academy training. Typically, new recruits require 48 shifts of field training, but because these officers come with experience, that will be cut in half. Jones indicated they could complete training and be assigned to permanent shifts by the start of the new year.
In a procedural note, Jones requested that the two officers be hired on consecutive days—Stewart on November 19th and Kane on November 20th—to establish seniority for future civil service purposes. Without this distinction, both would have identical hire dates and no way to differentiate their civil service status.
The department had originally sought approval to hire three officers but decided to hold off on the third position until the fiscal 2027 budget picture becomes clearer. Jones noted that four or five viable candidates remain on the list and said the department did not want to risk hiring someone only to face a potential layoff situation if budget constraints materialize.
The meeting also addressed several other significant matters. The board approved awarding the remaining $9,550 in grants from the town’s Opioid Settlement Fund Committee to three organizations: Marshfield FACTS for a Youth Mindfulness Retreat ($2,450), the James P. Harrington Foundation for two programs totaling $3,950, and the Marshfield Boys and Girls Club for a coordinator position ($3,150). These awards complete the first round of funding that totaled $79,550 for substance abuse prevention programs.
The North River Commission presented plans for a new bylaw that would limit the size of new floating docks to a maximum of 10 feet by 20 feet. Commission representative Maryanne Leonard explained that the protective order from 1978 had never specified size limits, and the new regulation aims to provide clear guidelines for property owners while working within existing navigation constraints.
In an emotional announcement, board member Steve Darcy stated he would not seek re-election when his term expires. “I lost my grandfather this term and then my dad. So I want to take some things off my plate to spend more quality time with people I care about while I still can,” he said. “Life’s too short.”
The board also moved forward with the town administrator search process. Mary Aicardi from the Collins Center for Public Management reported that the citizen screening committee had unanimously selected three finalists, pending background checks. The board tentatively scheduled interviews for the first week of December, with dates of December 2nd and 4th under consideration. Plans also call for the candidates to meet with department heads and union representatives before the final selection.
Building Commissioner Andrew Stewart informed the board that he conducted a survey of the dilapidated property at 65 Ocean Street with Fire Chief LaSelva, Town Engineer Ken Ryan, and Planning Board member Fred Monaco. The team unanimously determined the structure is unsafe and should be demolished. Stewart reported that the town has made contact with relatives of the deceased property owner, who intend to sell the property and recoup fees owed to the town through that process.
In a positive development, the board approved with gratitude a $1,350 catered dinner gift for the entire Marshfield Fire Department from the Flaherty family. The gift recognizes the department’s life-saving response when Coleman “CJ” Flaherty suffered a heart attack at his home on June 27th. Fire Chief LaSelva confirmed the department’s rapid response and professionalism were “the deciding factor in the outcome, which was very positive.”
The board also voted to reverse their earlier position a school roof project at the Martinson School. Board member Trish Simpson explained that the re-vote came after obtaining additional information, noting “we were on record as voting no, and I would just like a re-vote because I feel like we understand everything a lot clearer now.”
Town Counsel Bob Galvin presented documents related to the solar lease agreement at the capped landfill on Clay Pit Road. The project, first approved at the 2019 town meeting, is expected to generate over $20 million in revenue for the town over a 20-year period—more than $1 million per year. The developer anticipates beginning construction in January 2026 with completion by August 2026.
The board approved several other matters including a directory sign for businesses on Enterprise Drive proposed by Health Circle, appointments to the Cultural Council, and a license agreement for the town to accept a quit claim deed for property at zero Main Street that was approved at October’s town meeting.
During public comment, resident John Clifford criticized the board’s focus, stating they have “spent countless hours pursuing petty political vendettas” instead of addressing what he characterized as a massive budget deficit for fiscal year 2027. “You have a massive budget deficit for next year. You’re facing substantial increases in health insurance and pension costs that will likely exceed all of the new revenue that you’re going to bring in,” Clifford said.
Interim Town Administrator Charlie Sumner reported that his office is “dead focused” on developing the financial forecast projection for fiscal 2027 and expects to present it to the board and public soon. He noted the focus is on developing a budget that maintains current service levels, with any new programming requiring separate proposals.
The board also approved policy documents establishing formal liaison roles and responsibilities for board members serving on various town committees, including requirements for mission statements from all appointed boards and committees and annual member evaluations.
Why It Matters
The hiring of two experienced police officers addresses critical staffing shortages that have required officers to work mandatory overtime to meet minimum staffing levels, which strains both the budget and officer wellness. By hiring experienced officers who can begin work within weeks rather than months, the department can immediately reduce overtime costs while maintaining public safety coverage. The decision to hire local transfer officers rather than academy recruits saves the town the cost of academy tuition and allows both officers to be on regular patrol assignments by early 2026. For residents, this means more consistent police coverage without the budget impact of extended overtime or delayed response capabilities due to understaffing.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve payment of opioid settlement grants totaling $9,550 to Marshfield FACTS ($2,450), James P. Harrington Foundation ($3,950), and Boys and Girls Club ($3,150). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:30:02)
Motion: Approve hiring Matthew Stewart (effective November 19, 2025) and Neil Kane (effective November 20, 2025) as full-time permanent police officers. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:34:49)
Motion: Approve installation of one directory sign compliant with zoning bylaws pursuant to license agreement at entrance to Enterprise Drive at cost of Health Circle. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:54:57)
Motion: Approve execution of solar lease documents for 23 Clay Pit Road subject to further approval of interim town administrator and town counsel. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:55:00)
Motion: Accept quit claim deed for zero Main Street property from Celebrity Realty Trust on behalf of town and Conservation Commission. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:41:20)
Motion: Approve submission of draft warrant article for spring 2026 annual town meeting to add up to two alternate members to Advisory Board, Capital Budget Committee, and Council on Aging. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:31:49)
Motion: Approve with gratitude gift of $1,350 catered dinner to entire fire department and staff from Flaherty family. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:55:05)
Motion: Support proposed Martinson School roof project as proposed by school committee (re-vote). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:38:12)
Motion: Approve appointments of Joey Regan, Ed Bangs, and Mark Anderson to Cultural Council. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:37:42)
Motion: Approve proposed liaison and committee duties and responsibilities and self-evaluation policy. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:21:32)
Motion: Approve Marshall Education Foundation’s 16th annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K Road Race on March 14, 2026 contingent on positive recommendations from police and fire. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:58:23)
Motion: Approve doggy nail trim fundraiser event hosted by Friends of Marshfield Dog Park on November 22 from 11am-1pm. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:59:07)
Motion: Approve one-day wine and malt liquor license for Wicked Women’s Makers Market on November 29 from 10am-3pm at Fairgrounds. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 3:03:25)
Motion: Accept donations totaling $1,030 to Veteran Services from five donors. Outcome: Approved with gratitude. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 3:03:51)
Motion: Appoint Bertram O’Donnell to Open Space Committee as CPC representative. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 3:05:32)
Public Comment
Three residents spoke during public comment. John Clifford criticized the board for focusing on what he characterized as “petty political vendettas” rather than addressing a projected fiscal 2027 budget deficit, citing substantial increases in health insurance and pension costs. He also criticized the recall petition against Chairman Kelley as containing “total lies” and misrepresenting facts. Kathy Sullivan questioned whether the town has a legal obligation to pay for the South Shore Vocational Technical High School and expressed concern about statements suggesting Marshfield could avoid payment while still sending students. Peg Davis urged the board to support the Martinson School roof project, which she noted was overwhelmingly approved at town meeting and has state funding available. During later public comment, Steve Lynch defended Chairman Kelley against recall petition allegations, called the petition a “disservice to the town,” and suggested the town could fund the school roof through annual budget appropriations rather than an override.
What’s Next
The citizen search committee will meet with the Select Board on November 25th at 6:00 PM to discuss the town administrator search process. Town administrator candidate interviews are tentatively scheduled for December 2nd and 4th, with plans for candidates to meet with department heads and union representatives on the same day as interviews. Interim Town Administrator Charlie Sumner and Town Accountant Meg LeMay will develop the fiscal 2027 financial forecast projection to present to the board in coming weeks. Capital budgets from departments are due by the third Friday in November. The board will work with building commissioner and town counsel to finalize mission statement requirements for all appointed boards and committees. Background and reference checks for town administrator finalists will be completed. The North River Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed floating dock size bylaw before voting to adopt it. Building Commissioner Andrew Stewart will continue working with relatives of the deceased owner of 65 Ocean Street regarding sale of the property and demolition of the unsafe structure.